ALMONDS

By: Zarita Mahomed

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

People all over the world have been eating almonds for thousands of years. Today, about 80% of all almonds are produced in California.

The exact ancestry in unknown, but almonds are thought to have originated in China and Central Asia. Explorers ate almonds while traveling the "Silk Road" between Asia and the Mediterranean. Before long, almond trees flourished in the Mediterranean - especially in Spain and Italy.

Almonds are part of the plum family, Almonds are commonly referred to as a nut but they are actually teardrop-shaped edible seeds that are the fruit of the almond tree. You can buy them shelled or blanched (been treated with hot water to remove the brown outer coating, leaving the white interior).

IMPRESSIVE HEALTH BENEFITS

Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fibre, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. They can also reduce hunger and promote weight loss.

Benefits of almond:

• Strengthens brain and nerves, as a nutrient
• Relieves tension
• Strengthens brain power
• Good for heart
• Keeps body warm in winter
• Nourishes skin
• Prenatal and postnatal care.
• Helps build stronger bones as it contains higher content of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
• Good for infants.
• Improves body strength and removes constipation in a natural way.
• Helps curb blood sugar spikes after meals.
• Can assist in protecting the Gastrointestinal tract, which in turn means a better immune system and stronger body.
• Home remedy for improved memory

According to Ayurveda, almonds are considered a nutrient for the nervous system. Now scientific studies have proven the benefits of almonds for the brain, they are said to induce high intellectual level and longevity.

Home remedy for improved memory

Almond-Milk Shake - 

• Soak seven almonds in water overnight.
• In the morning, peel and grind them into a paste.
• Add this paste to a glass of milk.
• Boil the almond-milk shake for a few minutes.
• Drink the milk shake for 15 to 40 days continuously to improve your memory status 

You should keep in mind that this boiled almond milk shake should be taken on an empty stomach and allow for a minimum of two hours after drinking this boiled almond milk shake before consuming any food.

10 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT ALMONDS

• Almonds are related to peaches! 
• Almonds can be turned into milk! 
• Almonds can keep for a long time! 
• Almonds have one of the highest content of protein of all nuts! 
• Almonds are great for your heart! 
• Almond flour makes a great gluten-free alternative to wheat flour!
• Almonds are natural energy booster
• Ground almonds can be used as a healthy alternative to breadcrumbs 
• Almonds make the most delicious nut butter
• You can use almonds as a substitute for pine nuts in pesto